Kingston News (Kingston, ON), March 12, 1846

p.2 Oswego - We learn from an authentic source, that arrangements have been perfected for a daily line of steamers between this port and Montreal. The boat building at French Creek is to run in this line, which will be composed of boats half American and half British. The trip down, from Oswego to Montreal, will be made in 18 hours or less. We understand the Locks upon the St. Lawrence will be ready, and the boats commence running as soon as the navigation opens. [Oswego Advertiser]

Our harbor presents its usual bustling appearance at this season of the year. Although the building of wharves and warehouses is not as extensive, as usual, owing to the waterfront being pretty well occupied, the rapid progress of the military works in the course of construction, and the large number of men employed upon them, fully makes up the deficiency. Mr. Counter, having taken a twenty years lease of the premises and business of the Marine Railway Company, is busily employed in measures of improvement. From the foot of Arthur St., a pier between 500 and 600 feet in length is being sunk, which when completed, will we understand, be partially covered with shipping warehouses. An excellent basin for shipping will here be formed, in which a number of vessels may lay in all weathers perfectly secure. Immediately opposite, Mr. Greer is extending his wharf, giving it an angular frontage for the purpose of facilitating the coming to and departure of steamers. In the Marine Railway Shipyard, the propeller Lord Byron, building for Captain Patterson, is in a very forward state, and will be ready for launching in a few weeks. The boiler made at the foundry opposite, has already been put on board. This propeller, as we have already stated, is about 300 tons burthen, and will be propelled by a high pressure engine of 140 horse power. On the railway, the steamers, Canada and Prince Edward are hauled out. The latter is undergoing more repairs, and extensive additional accommodation will be provided on board the former. Both the Canada and the Gildersleeve are being furnished with upper cabins, upon the model of the American boats, and we believe that a similar addition has been made to the Highlander at Cornwall. The Messrs. Ives are engaged in getting ready a new steam ferry-boat, and in sheathing and otherwise repairing the Superior and Invincible, timber vessels.

At Portsmouth, two miles distant, considerable activity likewise prevails. A splendid brig of about 380 tons, intended for the timber trade, is framed and planked in the shipyard of Messrs. Collins & Power, for Messrs. Hunter & Pearson, and will in a short time be ready for service. Under the superintendence of Mr. Beaupre, the Bay steamer Prince of Wales has been materially lengthened, from which, no doubt, an improved speed as well as accommodation will be realized. A number of vessels belonging to Messrs. Macpherson & Crane and others, are undergoing repair and being fitted for the business of the coming season.

At Garden Island, Messrs. Calvin & Cook are making active preparations for the summer trade. The schooners William Penn and Hannah Counter have been rebuilt from the water's edge, and others are receiving minor alterations and repairs. Quite a large fleet of vessels was employed throughout the last season by these gentlemen, and we believe that a still larger will be engaged in 1846.

The ice still holds in undiminished strength, and it is very probable that the opening of navigation will be delayed until perhaps the middle of April.